The National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE) is a non-profit organization chartered in 1915 to enhance the status and quality of geography teaching and learning.
NCGE promotes geographic teaching by providing professional development opportunities, producing journals and other geography publications, developing and distributing content and resources, honoring teachers, mentors and researchers; advocating for geography in schools; and organizing an annual conference and other forums for educators. NCGE promotes the greater sharing of ideas, information, best practices and innovative processes.
NCGE is committed to ensuring that all students graduate to with the knowledge, perspectives and skills to make informed decisions as they go through life. We strive to support all educators in their desire to create engaging, authentic, inquiry-based learning experiences for students at all levels.
At the National Council for Geographic Education, we believe:
- Geography education is a bridge to better understanding and appreciation of all subject matter.
- Educators should be treated with the respect they deserve as the professionals they are.
- All educators are bearers of valuable expertise that can help, inform and guide the work of the NCGE.
- NCGE plays a valuable role in providing educators with the ability/opportunity to share geographic knowledge with one another, with the aim towards improving teaching practice and student engagement with geography.
- All students and educators must have access to high quality, relevant materials, up to date technology and engaging learning experiences for teaching geography.
History
- The National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE) was founded in 1915 by George J. Miller, a teacher educator at the State Normal School in Mankato, Minnesota.
- Originally called the National Council for Geography Teachers (NCGT), the purpose was to "increase the effectiveness of geography teaching in America."
- His goal was to bridge the gap between the subject expertise of college professors and the pedagogical training and insights of K-12 teachers.
- In 1956, the NCGT changed its name to the National Council for Geographic Education to reflect the idea that not all learning occurs in the classroom.
